Every month, we interview an Uplight employee to get to know more about what they do at Uplight, why they love working here, and what inspired them to get into this industry! This month, I chat with Naomi Wood, a member of the WorkPlace Operations Squad.
What do you do for Uplight?
I am the WorkPlace Operations Manager at Uplight. I lead the WorkPlace Ops squad, and together we support the day-to-day operations that keep our offices fully functional. We have the opportunity to work with all Uplighters and with every squad, giving us unique insight into what is needed throughout the company. I believe that if you “Create a great place to work in, great work takes place.” I take this motto to heart, and am driven to provide each office environment with a dynamic workspace and office management they can rely on.
What is the most rewarding or interesting thing about working with people across the globe?
I am passionate about developing relationships and finding ways to connect with colleagues in every office. Sharing our similarities and differences allows me to deepen my understanding of that individual, and the office environment they are a part of. It is such a rewarding experience to connect with another Uplighter, learn more about them, and be influenced by their unique journey within the company.
What do you find most exciting or rewarding about working for Uplight?
The People! Honestly, that is what fuels my spirit. Uplighters are amazing people. We give positive and healthy energy to those we work with and it shows. Throughout my life and all my jobs, I have never been so supported and uplifted by the people I work with. My relationships with colleagues are a huge part of feeling rewarded and fulfilled at work.
How does the work you do contribute towards creating a more sustainable future and better customer energy experiences?
Although Workplace Ops does not directly affect our customers’ energy experience, we strive to support sustainability by keeping our facility footprint as green as possible. We are always looking for ways to conserve, reuse and repurpose products in our offices. Providing a greener footprint in our own offices reinforces the message we are sending to our customers – we are “walking the walk”.
How did you get into this work?
A bit of serendipity! I spent most of my career in the tourism industry. I have been in hotel sales, tour operations, tour management (guiding folks around the Canadian Rockies), the airline industry as a Flight Attendant, and I’ve dabbled in foreign exchange student management. Throughout all these positions and experiences the common thread was PEOPLE. I am an obvious extravert and absolutely love working with people. When I moved to Boulder over four years ago, I immediately sought out a position that would allow me to work with lots of people in a positive, rewarding and creative environment….that is Uplight!
What has been your favorite project so far at Uplight? There are so many projects that I have loved participating in. One of my favorite projects was the remodeling project at the 55th Boulder office building a couple of years ago. I was part of the team that created, designed, and implemented this project. I was able to offer my voice from a WorkPlace Ops perspective, offering a view focused on functionality and performance. It was a joy to work with other squads and share our own unique vision, collaboratively creating a wonderful space for all to enjoy.
What is one thing that has most surprised you about working here? How much Uplighters love dogs and coffee (whoops that’s two). I am a “cat” person, but with so many Uplighters who are crazy about dogs, I might have to get a dog too! I have also entered a new level of coffee snobbery, with so many colleagues who are passionate about coffee…I have definitely joined the club.
